Director-General of Major Projects Canberra and Engineers Australia Fellow Gillian Geraghty has been named the ACT’s new Chief Engineer.
For the first time, the role will be supported by a new Board of Engineering Excellence which will provide engineering advice and advocacy directly to the ACT Government through Ms Gerahty’s office.
The title of ACT Chief Engineer will remain within the ACT Government.
A civil engineer, Ms Geraghty said she was honoured to include the role with her responsibilities in leading Major Projects Canberra.
“As Director-General of Major Projects Canberra leading the procurement and delivery of the Territory’s infrastructure program, I have almost 30-years dedicated to major complex infrastructure projects and community infrastructure programs across multiple sectors internationally, throughout Australia and across NSW / ACT.
“I am passionate about bringing industry together with the public sector to deliver great outcomes for the community and I’m excited by the prospect of working together as a sector to deliver engineering excellence for the Territory.”
Ms Geraghty’s appointment follows the resignation of Adrian Piani after almost five years as the Territory’s inaugural Chief Engineer.
Engineers Australia has been advocating for an independent advisory body and increased responsibility for the Chief Engineer.
This includes greater independence, latitude to work across directorates, and visibility as a trusted advisor to government on important issues spanning infrastructure, planning, procurement, the circular economy and climate change.
ACT General Manager Caitlin Buttress congratulated Ms Geraghty on her appointment and said Engineers Australia is looking forward to a productive and impactful working relationship.
“The Chief Engineer is vital to helping elevate the role of the profession in government and to demonstrate to the community the important role engineers have across many facets of our community.
“The strengthened partnership between government and industry through the newly established Board of Engineering Excellence will also allow us to provide proactive advice on key issues and challenges relevant to engineering in our jurisdiction.”